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Great MDOP Resources

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In my last several blog posts, I’ve used a lot of words to tell you why I think the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a great way to optimize Windows 7 deployment. I’ve provided links along the way, of course, but I really haven’t told you about all the great resources that you can use to discover on your own what makes MDOP so great. I’ll fill that gap now.

The first resource is probably the most obvious, but I need to mention it anyway. The Enterprise products: MDOP page provides a good overview of the products in MDOP. This isn’t technical content. This is high-level descriptions of each product. All of Microsoft’s MDOP resources are probably within three or four clicks of this Web site, but I’m going to make it easy for you by aggregating some of the most notable resources right here.

For technical content about MDOP, there is no better place than TechNet. The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) on TechNet Web page contains links to technical information on the entire suite of MDOP products, including Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V), Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V), Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM), and so on. If you’re striking out to learn more about MDOP, this is easily the best place to begin.

For the bigger MDOP products, like App-V and MED-V, there are a video series that provide in-depth demonstrations and are great for getting acquainted with them. These video series include:

· Application Virtualization (App-V) Video Series

· Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) Administration Video Series

In addition to these videos, a number of DemoMate demos are available from the Microsoft Download Center. In case you’re not familiar, DemoMate demos are simulations that can give you a reasonable idea of product’s experience without actually installing the product. While the following DemoMate demos are for older versions of MDOP products, they might still be useful learning resources:

· Application Virtualization DemoMate

· Asset Inventory Service 1.5 DemoMate

· System Center Desktop Error Monitoring DemoMate

· Diagnostic and Recovery Toolkit DemoMate

· Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization DemoMate

· Advanced Group Policy Management DemoMate

Of course, there isn’t any real substitute for installing the MDOP products in a lab environment. You can download evaluations from MSDN and TechNet. Volume License customers can download MDOP from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Site (MVLS). If you’re more interested in understanding the business value and the return on investment (ROI) of MDOP, then take a look at the variety of Microsoft Case Studies or check out the MDOP ROI Tool

Comments

  • Anonymous
    July 05, 2010
    Great stuff, Brad! I am prepping to teach the Microsoft course, 50235B: Managing Enterprise Desktops Using the Desktop Optimization Pack.  As an MCT, I'm not just an instructor, I'm also an advocate of MDOP! This whole blog is a great resource! Dave Franklyn Auburn University (and your TechEd coworker!)